Headteacher's Bulletin

As the first Spring half term draws to a close at Twickenham School, we reflect with a sense of achievement and pride. The spirited participation in the inter-house dodgeball competition this week was a vivid demonstration of our school's commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community, encouraging both teamwork and individual resilience. Congratulations to Nightingale House, our victors. Well done to you all!

It was an emotional yet exciting farewell to our students who embarked on the ski trip to Austria this morning. They are currently making their way through France. We eagerly anticipate hearing about the lifelong memories they will create and the new friendship bonds they will form.

The recent mock exam results, released on Thursday for our Year 11 students, served as a pivotal moment, vividly bringing home the reality of their forthcoming examinations. Their collective results were impressive and bode well for the summer. A heartfelt thank you to all our parents for attending the Year 11 Parents' Evening. This event was instrumental in reinforcing the partnership between our school and families, ensuring our students are holistically supported in final stages of their Twickenham School journey.

A final shout out for some individual achievements: Congratulations to Joao Souto Maior De Paula's who smashed the entry test and is currently preparing for his interview at Harris Westminster, one of the highest performing Sixth Form's in the country. Also to Annora Gosain's scholarship to an elite Oxbridge summer programme. These accomplishments, coupled with Annora's commitment to sharing her experience with younger students, exemplify the values of perseverance, dedication, and empathy which we cherish. We are so proud of you both.

We would like to formally introduce you to our expanded inclusion team, who, although they have been working with us for at least a term, will next term each begin with a year group focus. We are so excited with this new structure and the additional support we are able to provide to all students.

‘I love my role of Inclusion Officer because I get to meet so many amazing students and make sure they are safe and happy. Fun facts about me: I can speak German and French, I play netball and have 50 cousins…!’

I previously worked as a School Counsellor supporting children with their mental health . I love seeing children thrive and overcoming challenges that they have faced. I’m excited to be working with Year 8 as their Inclusion Officer .

Before working at Twickenham Liz worked as a Nutrition Lecturer at St Mary’s University but has now been at Twickenham School for 5 years and has worked in SEN and safeguarding. She is the school’s ELSA and is accompanied by the school Therapy Dog Mac.

Hi everyone, I'm Mr Wills, I have a great passion for working with young people to help them overcome barriers in education. I have experience working as a mentor, helping students after the Grenfell tower disaster. In recent times I've been helping young people in foster care and other high schools to be the responsible future adults of tomorrow. I am very much delighted to be here in this new chapter of my career and most certainly look forward to helping these year 10 superstars here at Twickenham.

Before working at Twickenham School Robyn was completing an early year's education degree and running her own cake business. She has now been at Twickenham School for 6 months. After starting as a teaching assistant, she has now moved over and become part of the inclusion team and is enjoying the new opportunities it is bringing to help the students.

Mac is 8 years old and is a Maltese-poodle. He loves coming in and helping any students who are struggling with anxiety and emotions, a few minutes with him and they are soon lost in the moment and mesmerised by the cuddles! The staff quite like popping in to see him too.

School Toilet Cubicles

Please be reminded that students are NOT under any circumstances allowed to be in a bathroom cubicle with anyone else. This is a serious safeguarding concern and is a serious breach of school rules and is an offence for which students could be suspended from school.

Please be informed that if students are found in a bathroom together then the school will use its legal right to search pupils to maintain & promote a safe and respectful school environment.

Please see links to the the School's behaviour policy and government searching guidance.

Vaping

Given the national issues around vaping - please be reminded that vaping is not allowed in school. Possession of any vaping materials is in breach of the school rules as mentioned above.

Careers Newsletter

This term is a key time of year for many students looking towards their future careers. Some helpful information can be found in the latest edition of the career's newsletter "Innervate" which can be read here.

We would like to remind parents that is important that all students have the correct PE this includes:

• Twickenham polo
• Twickenham skort/shorts/leggings
• Sports trainers/astro trainers. Shoes such as Vans, Converse should not be worn.
• Twickenham house socks

Other advisable items include:

• Twickenham school fleece
• Twickenham tracksuit bottoms

If students forget their PE kit, they will be sanctioned with a one-hour detention. If students are injured, they are expected to bring in their kit and change to enable them to be comfortable to complete a non-physical role in the lesson.

The Y7 PGL trip is rapidly approaching. We hope all students are getting excited for their fun experience. The kit list has been sent out via email and can also be found here.

Half term Year 11 Revision sessions

Monday 12 - Food Tech - 10am-12pm

Monday 12 - French Foundation - 10am-12pm

Monday 12 - French Higher - 12:30pm -2:30pm

Tuesday 13 - Business Studies - 10am-12pm

Tuesday 13 - Science with Mr Meinke - 10am-12pm

Tuesday 13 - Science with Mr Iqbal - 1pm-3pm

Wednesday 14 - Drama - 9am-3pm (one group at a time, students will be given time slots)

Thursday 15 - PE - 10am-12pm

Dates for the Diary

12 - 16 February - Mid term break

21 February - Gender Stereotype Workshop with Brunel Museum

21 - 23 February Y7 PGL trip

29 February - Y9 Parents Evening 16:00-19:00

7 March - World Book Day - Dress up as your favourite literary character

14 March - Y10 Parents Evening

All students are back to school on Monday 19 February at 8.30am.

Wishing you a wonderful half term break.

Jonathon Lisseman

Headteacher

Twickenham School

Percy Road

Twickenham

TW2 6JW

0208 894 4503